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Newsman Keith Kohn, husband, dad of six, cousin and nephew to many and former night editor at the Orlando Sentinel who's now at Newsday, chronicles his journey from diagnosis with esophageal cancer through his treatments. He offers insights, tips and anecdotes to help others beginning a similar path. Feel free to submit helpful hints, clarifications and corrections with the goal of helping others.

Disclaimer

Please remember that I'm not a doctor and any advice given from me or those who write me are not intended to replace your doctor's directions. They are tips to use -- or to not use -- as you see fit and judge for yourself. Please do so wisely.

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Tips mentioned in this blog

Avoid drinks with a lot of electrolytes, such as GatorAde and the like. I can't swear the GatorAde I've been drinking caused my urinary tract infections, but they coincidentally appeared within a day of my drinking the popular sports drink. Might just be how it affects me, but might be how it interacts with chemo.

Keep a box of alcohol pads nearby. When you're nauseous, the smell of alcohol halts the nausea.

Don't stop being you. Allow yourself to be angry and upset, but also allow yourself twice as much to be happy and positive and encouraged. Don't feel sorry for yourself and don't allow people to feel sorry for you. And do not, under any circumstances, allow toxic, negative people to cloud your mind or your space with their negativity.

Allow yourself to get angry, upset, frustrated ... and don't ever feel bad about it. The people around you will understand.

Don't just stay away from the chocolate. Definitely and absolutely no coffee! No caffeine at all. It dehydrates. You need as much water as you can drink. Chicken broth sounds boring and not very appetizing, but it's important that you drink it as well. Also, apple juice is extremely acidic, so no apple juice if you're nauseous. In fact, nothing acidic.

Don't feel like you have to be 'on' all the time. It takes its toll, and you need all the strength you can get. You'll figure it out for yourself, what your comfort levels are, but just try not to feel that pressure.